Use of antianemics in prenatal care: A population cohort from a capital city in the North region of Brazil

Anemia during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. In Brazil, anemia prevention and treatment programs are available, but regional variations in prevalence and factors associated with antianemic drug use remain understudied. The objective was to identify the prevalence of gestational anemia and the factors associated with the use of antianemic drugs during pregnancy in a cross-sectional population-based study carried out in Rio Branco, AC. To do so, we planned a cross-sectional, population-based study with a total of 1190 postpartum women who gave birth between April 6 and July 10, 2015, were interviewed about demographic, socioeconomic, reproductive, and prenatal care factors. The prevalence of anemia during pregnancy was found to be 13.8 %, with 93.2 % of women using antianemic drugs, such as ferrous sulfate and folic acid. Factors positively associated with antianemic drug use were higher education (elementary school II RCajust = 2.46; 95 %, CI: 1.01-6.13; high school RCajust = 2.61; 95 %, CI: 1.11-6.12), primiparity (ACadjust = 1.69; 95 %, CI: 0.98-3.74), 6 to 8 prenatal consultations (ACjust = 2.16; 95, CI%: 1.15-4.05), and planned pregnancy (ARjust = 1.94; 95 %, CI: 1.05-3.74). Food security during pregnancy was inversely associated. These findings suggest that while anemia prevention and treatment programs exist, more targeted strategies are needed, particularly for women with lower socioeconomic status, to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.